文章

Messi best player of all time – Rakitic

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, but said there was "only one number one" – Lionel Messi.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo joined Messi on five Ballons d'Or after claiming the individual honour on Thursday.

However, Rakitic has no doubt about who is better, saying it was unfortunate Ronaldo had played in the same era as Messi, the best in history.

"You already know my opinion and I have a lot of respect for Cristiano, who is one of the best in history," the Croatia international said, via Mundo Deportivo, after a 2-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday.

"But he has played with the best player in history, which is Leo Messi. There is only one number one, Messi.

"Those who come behind are unlucky enough to have coincided with him."